MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL GAMBLING

Battle Of The Birds

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There is a new king of the jungle in the AFC North, and it is Marvin Lewis and the Cincinnati Bengals. Cincinnati went into Pittsburgh yesterday and emerged with a stunning 38-31 win. Now, they are in possession of a two game lead in the division, and hold their destiny in their own hands.

For Steelers coach Bill Cowher, this was the type of close game we are used to seeing him blow in the playoffs. Pittsburgh is now on a three game losing streak, and they are in serious danger of not making the playoffs. It is a far cry from the team that went 15-1 in the regular season last year, and made it to the AFC championship game.

In the NFC conference, there were another two games played for the division lead. In New York, the Giants took over first place of the NFC East with a 17-10 win over the “Boys”. Dallas was kept in the game when Giants’ kicker Jay Feely missed another field goal that would have iced the game, but Drew Bledsoe and company could not take advantage.

Dallas committed four turnovers in the game, including a fumble that was returned by the Giants for a touchdown. The cameras kept panning to Dallas Coach Bill Parcells, who looked like he was going to commit felony murder on the sidelines. Alas, the only thing that may have been killed is the Cowboys’ playoff hopes.

In Carolina, the Panthers can put away the Michael Vick voodoo dolls, because the demons have finally been exorcised. Vick was a perfect 5-0 against Carolina heading into Sunday’s game, but he was the one left feeling victimized after a 24-6 defeat.

Vick threw for 171 yards, more than his average, but he inexplicably only ran the ball three times all game. Vick has had so much success running against Carolina in the past, that it was shocking to see him continually stay in the pocket. The Panthers now have a one game lead over Tampa in the NFC South, and a two game lead over Atlanta.

Overall for the week, it was another good showing by the favorites with an 11-4 record heading into the Monday Night Contest.

Bet Now: Seattle (-4) at Philadelphia

Seattle (9-2) has already clinched the NFC West division with a Rams loss yesterday, but this game is still vital. The Seahawks can clinch home field advantage throughout the playoffs if they win the rest of their games. Knowing how much better Seattle plays at home than on the road, means they can not afford a loss here.

The key match-up this week for Seattle is running back Shaun Alexander versus the Eagles’ run defense. Alexander is having his best year as a professional, averaging over five yards per carry and meriting MVP consideration. The Eagles are not dominant against the run as they have been in the past. They rank in the middle of the pack, and have allowed a 100 yard rusher the last two weeks.

If Alexander is able to run effectively, then the pressure will be off Seattle quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. That could be dangerous for Philadelphia as Hasselbeck has played extremely well on the road this year, posting a quarterback rating of at least 94 in his last four road games.

Philadelphia’s (5-6) motivation for this game is a lot more questionable than Seattle. Sure, they are mathematically alive for the playoffs and will be playing in front of a large home crowd. The reality though, is that this team is playing with its backup quarterback, and their top receiver, Terrell Owens, will be watching the game at home eating a bowl of Cheetos.

One player being closely watched around the league is Eagles’ quarterback, Mike McMahon. McMahon is subbing in for Donovan McNabb and trying to prove that he is a starting NFL quarterback. If and when McNabb returns next season, McMahon could be used as trade bait.
McMahon is liked by the Eagles coaching staff as he is a dual threat. He is not afraid to chuck the ball up 39 times like he did at the Giants two weeks ago. He is also not afraid to put his head down and run, something that McNabb has shied away from this year. Look for McMahon to make some big plays down the field.

This is the second time in three weeks that the Eagles have played at home on Monday Night Football. Three weeks ago, they let up two late touchdowns against Dallas in a 21-20 loss. Those of us who had Philly at -3 are still sick about that game. Philly has the ability to make this game close, but Seattle gets the touchdown win as the far more motivated squad.

Pick: Seattle

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